Latvian Naval Forces is the naval warfare branch of the National Armed Forces. It is tasked with conducting military, search and rescue operations, mine and explosive sweeping on the Baltic Sea, as well as ecological monitoring activities. The Naval Forces have participated in international NATO/Partnership for Peace operations and various exercises with great success. The main development priorities of the Naval Forces are to expand their activities within the Baltic States’ Ship Squadron BALTRON and to develop a Sea Surveillance System. They pay a great deal of attention to professionally specialized training and English-language teaching.
Latvian Ronis-class submarines in Tallinn, 1927
Latvian sailors at the Independence Day parade, 2014
Latvian and U.S. Navy officers on board a Latvian patrol craft during BALTOPS 2018 in Liepāja
The Latvian Naval Forces Orchestra in Daugavpils, 2009
Latvian National Armed Forces
The Latvian National Armed Forces, or NBS, are the armed forces of Latvia. Latvia's defense concept is based on a mobile professional rapid response force and reserve segment that can be called upon relatively fast for mobilization should the need arise. The National Armed Forces consists of Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force and National Guard. Its main tasks are to protect the territory of the State; participate in international military operations; and to prevent threats to national security.
The North Latvian Brigade in mid-1919
Latvian soldiers in Liepāja in November 1920
Latvian Army Garford-Putilov armored car "Kurzemnieks", 1920s
Latvian soldiers during the NATO exercise "Trident Juncture 2015"